Postpartum Checkup

Postpartum Checkup


About 4 to 6 weeks after delivery, you will need a check-up to make sure your body is healing without problems. If you have a Cesarean delivery, you may have your check-up sooner than if you had a vaginal delivery. 

This appointment is also a time for you and your provider to talk about:

  • When you can resume sexual activity.
  • Birth control options
  • When you can return to work.
  • Your emotions and screening for postpartum depression.
  • Any other problems you have had since your delivery or because of your pregnancy.
     

Physical Exam

Weight:

A woman usually returns to her non-pregnant weight about 6 months after delivery. The postpartum period is not the time to diet. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that is low-fat.

Blood Pressure:

This is a routine check to be sure your blood pressure is in a normal range.

Breast Care:

Your provider will check your breasts for lumps and nipple problems. Your provider will also show you how to do breast self exams. Give yourself a breast exam every month a week after your period.

Abdominal Incision:

If you had a Cesarean delivery or your tubes were cut or tied off, you have an incision. Your incision will be checked to make sure healing is complete.
 

Pelvic Exam

This part of the check-up is an internal exam to check the health of your ovaries, uterus (womb), cervix (opening into the womb) and vagina (birth canal). Your perineum, the area around the birth canal, also will be checked for healing.

Perineal Area:

Your provider will examine the areas around the vagina, urethra (opening of the bladder), and rectum for healing.

Vagina and Cervix:

Your provider will check your vagina and cerix with a thin piece of plastic or metal, called a speculum, that is gently slid into the vagina. A speculum is a medical tool used to hold the vagina open during the exam. A few cells will be taken from your cervix and tested in a laboratory. This is a Pap Smear test and routine in a postpartum check-up. Ask your provider for more information about this test.

Uterus and Ovaries:

The last part of the exam is checking your uterus and ovaries. Your provider will feel the shape and size of both. Vaginal bleeding or lochia often stops in the first 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. Bleeding that begins 1 month after delivery is usually your period. A rectal exam may be part of the internal exam if you have had a long or deep episiotomy. Ask your provider for more information about this exam.
 

Ask Questions!

After your exam, your provider will tell you how well your body has healed from delivery. Ask any questions you have about returning to work, exercising, birth control methods or other health concerns.
 

© 2000 – January 13, 2023, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information, call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.